One of the largest marinas in australia is making a name for itself as the benchmark port along the east coast in the whitsundays.
One of the largest marinas in australia is making a name for itself as the benchmark port along the east coast in the whitsundays.
Whitsundays and step aboard a superyacht destined for one of the world’s finest cruising playgrounds. Revamped Abell Point Marina, at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, is bringing the dream within reach for yachts wishing to cruise within the iconic waters of the region.
Yacht access to the startling natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef has changed drastically in the last few years after Abell Point Marina in Airlie Beach came under new management, with owner Paul Darrouzet cementing a vision to craft a facility worthy of its glorious surrounds. With huge improvements implemented to upgrade the guest amenities and facilities, and expand the marina to accommodate larger yachts, Abell Point now forms a base where yachts and superyachts in the region can stay and play longer, and with better guest services.
Business development manager Luke McCaul says Abell Point Marina has become a signature stopover port for superyacht visitors since the new ownership in 2013. “Under a revitalised development plan, the marina now resembles a 5-star hotel experience on water with the addition of new restaurants and bars, dedicated concierge services and lifestyle arrangements for superyacht crew and their guests,” says McCaul. “Paul’s vision was to create a marina that met and surpassed the standards expected by superyachts globally.
The marina he’s created has met that vision, but the satisfaction he’s gained by facilitating the accessibility of this UNESCO World Heritage area has been the real win for him.” The marina is uniquely positioned at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, making it an ideal base for charter groups to discover Australia’s tropical east coast. Abell Point Marina hosted the Clipper Round The World Race fleet after they sailed from Hobart to Airlie Beach – the first time the Clipper fleet has visited the Whitsundays region in Queensland, world renowned for its tropical coastline and 74 islands right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
This expansive cruising ground makes up the Whitsundays, and boasts everything from wildlife and rainforests to some of the most spectacular diving and snorkelling spots on the planet. Because of this, accessibility for yachts and Owners has been a key point of consideration in the revamp of Abell Point.
The team has been involved with a Superyacht Australia initiative that makes chartering within Australia easier for foreign-flagged vessels, while a dedicated dredging programme means the marina is able to host much larger yachts. Key features of the marina include berths up to 70 metres, deep draft in all tides, cyclone-rated protection, fast flow high-volume diesel and a heli-pad, to name a few. Northrop & Johnson Australia Managing Director Cameron Bray says the significant investment has positioned Abell Point Marina as one of the country’s premiere superyacht marinas.
“For crew, the proximity to the Proserpine airport allows easy rotation between charters or Owner’s trips, and the selection of worldclass fresh produce will leave the chef spoilt for choice,” says Bray, adding that the flexibility of the marina in allowing yachts to spend extended periods of time in the region makes it very appealing for yacht Owners and crew.
